Apple cider and cake two of fall’s finest flavors come together in a way that will make you want to bake this cozy dessert again and again. Have you ever wished you could capture the crisp, comforting taste of apple cider donuts in a simple, sliceable cake? That’s exactly what this Apple Cider Donut Cake I’m Obsessed With This Cozy Fall Dessert delivers.
From the first bite, you’ll notice the warm spices and tender crumb that mirror a classic cider donut but in a whole new form. This apple cider donut cake is not only perfect for chilly mornings or afternoon treats but also a gorgeous addition to any fall gathering. Let’s dive in and make all your cozy dessert dreams come true.
Why I Can’t Stop Making These Cookies
- Quick win: Ready from pantry staples and fresh apple cider in under an hour.
- Flavor twist: The spiced apple cider turns ordinary cake into an autumn classic.
- Pantry-friendly: Uses common baking ingredients with no hard-to-find items.
- Kid-friendly: Soft texture with just the right sweetness kids adore.
- Seasonal appeal: Taps into those fall vibes with cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple cider.
What Type of Apple Cider Should I Use?
For the best results, opt for fresh, unfiltered apple cider if you can find it locally. Its natural apple flavors and slight cloudiness add depth and authenticity. Avoid apple juice; it’s sweeter and lacks the spice notes that make cider so special.
If you only have filtered cider or store-bought pasteurized versions, they will still work fine just pick one with no added sugar to keep the flavor balanced.
No need to thaw anything here since cider is a liquid. Just measure and mix. If you want to add bits of fresh apple, use crisp fall varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji, diced and patted dry to avoid extra moisture in the batter.
Options for Ingredient Alternatives
- Butter or oil: Swap unsalted butter for coconut oil for a subtle tropical hint (chill dough 30 minutes to firm).
- Chocolate chips: Use white, semi-sweet, or even caramel chips depending on your preference.
- Milk options: Whole milk, almond, oat, or coconut milk all work well.
- Extracts: Vanilla extract is classic; add a touch of maple or almond extract for variation.
- Fresh vs dried fruit: Fresh apples add moisture; dried apples or raisins lend chewiness so adjust liquid accordingly.
The Biggest Challenges While Baking
- Folding in spices and cider carefully: Stir gently to keep the batter light and airy, avoiding dense cake.
- Butter temperature matters: Use softened butter, not melted or cold, for better texture.
- Avoid overmixing: Blend just until ingredients combine to prevent toughness.
- Fixing dry dough: If it feels crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until you get a soft consistency.
- Chilling the dough: Let the batter rest 30 minutes if you want a thicker texture and enhanced spice meld.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Store your apple cider donut cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate up to 1 week, but bring to room temp before serving for the softest texture.
Freeze fully cooled slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, layering with parchment paper if stacking. Frozen cake keeps well for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for 1–2 hours.
You can also freeze the batter: scoop into a lined loaf pan, freeze until firm, then wrap and freeze. Bake straight from frozen; just add 10–15 minutes to baking time.
Estimated Nutrition
For the whole cake (approximate):
- Calories: 1800–2000
- Fat: 80–90g
- Carbohydrates: 250–270g
- Protein: 20–25g
Per slice (1/12th):
- Calories: 150–170
- Fat: 6–8g
- Carbohydrates: 20–23g
- Protein: 1.5–2g
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider (240 ml)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (300 g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (115 g)
- 1/2 cup milk (120 ml)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup apple chunks, peeled and diced (75 g), optional
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (90 g), optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan or line with parchment paper.
In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer until about 1/3 cup (80 ml) remain this concentrates the flavor and thickens it like syrup. Let cool.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the reduced cider, milk, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the diced apples and white chocolate chips last, if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips, Variations & Serving Ideas
- Swap white chocolate chips for toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Add a simple cinnamon glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of apple cider.
- Underbake by 3–4 minutes for a super moist, almost gooey center.
- Serve warm with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or alongside your favorite coffee or chai.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep moist.
- Use canned pumpkin puree for a subtle nod to fall pumpkin spice cravings.
- Sprinkle the top with chopped fresh apple and cinnamon before baking for extra charm.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake vegan?
A: Yes, substitute eggs with flax eggs and butter with plant-based alternatives.
Q: How do I know when the cider is reduced enough?
A: It should be thick and syrupy, about one-third of the original volume.
Q: Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
A: Apple juice is sweeter and less robust, but it works in a pinch.
Save This for Later (Pinterest)
If you love cozy fall flavors, save this Apple Cider Donut Cake recipe on Pinterest! It’s the perfect dessert to revisit every autumn and share with friends and family. Happy baking!
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